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Tributes to East Lancs biker after fatal JCB crash

A ‘LOVING’ husband and dad was killed on a busy road after a JCB pulled in front of his motorbike.

Craig Foster was knocked off the Kawasaki ZX6R motorcycle he was riding through Simonstone when the digger, which was heading in the opposition direction, turned right into his path.

The 42-year-old, who ran his own business in Hapton and lived in Accrington died at the scene.

His wife Mel yesterday paid tribute to the ‘keen and experienced motorcyclist’.

She said: “Craig lived an interesting and fun-filled life with love and laughter and touched so many hearts along the way. He was a popular guy with a huge personality.

“It is a truly tragic loss of a loving husband and father to our two wonderful children, Cory and Lola.

“He was a keen and experienced motorcyclist and was on his way home to see his family after a day’s work when the crash happened.

“He was a marvellous son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many.

Mel said he would also be remembered as a hard-working man.

She said: “After spending some time working on his father’s butcher’s stall in Accrington he turned his hand to the restoration of Volkswagen Beetle cars and campervans.”

Craig’s ex-business partner, David Race, who owns Accrington Beetles and Vans, in Victoria Street, said he would be sadly missed.

He said: “It was a great shock to hear the news. He was a good lad. We did the vans together for a few years. We had a good few laughs.”

A friend who worked at a neighbouring unit said: “Craig was the most chilled-out man I know. He was easy to get on with. I will always remember one Christmas when we were going from pub to pub.

“Then we got to one that said Craig couldn’t go in because he was in his dirty work clothes. So he went to Oxfam and just bought clothes that were far too short for him — because he was a tall guy — to get in.”

Craig’s devastated friends also paid tribute on his Facebook page. Police have appealed for witnesses to the accident, which happened outside Seaways Services and the Time Technology Park at 4.30pm on Sunday.

A spokesman said: “At approximately 4.30pm on Sunday the motorcyclist was travelling along Blackburn Road from the direction of Padiham towards Clayton le Moors when a JCB travelling in the opposite direction turned right into the path of the Kawasaki ZX6R motorcycle.

“He suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. The road was closed for five hours while an accident investigation was carried out.”

Security guard Abid Pervez witnessed the aftermath of the crash.

He said: “There were people just coming out of a house, and then the ambulance and police came.

“The motorcyclist was on the road, and the police told me somebody had died.”

The driver of the JCB was not thought to have been seriously injured.

Ed Morrow, campaigns officer for road safety charity Brake, said: “Motorcyclists, along with cyclists and pedestrians, are among the most vulnerable road users, and are involved in a huge proportion of serious crashes and casualties on our roads.

“It’s so crucial drivers remain vigilant at all times, and do everything they can to look out for and protect people around them, whether they’re on motorbikes, bicycles or on foot.”

Police appealed for anybody who saw the accident, or the motorcycle or JCB beforehand, to call 101 quoting log number 1052 of March 23.

Absolute tragedy. So sorry to learn that another of our fraternity has been lost, especially though no fault of their own.
I am late sixties and still love being on two wheels, along with my wife. After 50 years of incident-free riding/driving, a security van pulled straight out on me in Skipton last summer, writing my new bike off and putting me in A&E, luckily only with heavy bruising and cracked rib. Despite lights on and hi-viz jacket in daylight, he just did not see me. We know of these risks and always try to be aware of potential dangers but this, regretably, shows that all cannot always be planned for, however careful. With deepest sympathies to family and friends. RIP Craig.

Absolute tragedy. So sorry to learn that another of our fraternity has been lost, especially though no fault of their own.
I am late sixties and still love being on two wheels, along with my wife. After 50 years of incident-free riding/driving, a security van pulled straight out on me in Skipton last summer, writing my new bike off and putting me in A&E, luckily only with heavy bruising and cracked rib. Despite lights on and hi-viz jacket in daylight, he just did not see me. We know of these risks and always try to be aware of potential dangers but this, regretably, shows that all cannot always be planned for, however careful. With deepest sympathies to family and friends. RIP Craig.M Foster

Absolute tragedy. So sorry to learn that another of our fraternity has been lost, especially though no fault of their own.
I am late sixties and still love being on two wheels, along with my wife. After 50 years of incident-free riding/driving, a security van pulled straight out on me in Skipton last summer, writing my new bike off and putting me in A&E, luckily only with heavy bruising and cracked rib. Despite lights on and hi-viz jacket in daylight, he just did not see me. We know of these risks and always try to be aware of potential dangers but this, regretably, shows that all cannot always be planned for, however careful. With deepest sympathies to family and friends. RIP Craig.

Score: 59

LancsLass
1:49pm Mon 24 Mar 14

Knew Craig many years ago not seen him for a good few years however his massive smile he always had on his face will never leave my memory. Craig was one of lifes good guys who lived his life to the fun what a top guy. Rest in Peace Craig sending love and prayers to his family at this tragic time xxx

Knew Craig many years ago not seen him for a good few years however his massive smile he always had on his face will never leave my memory. Craig was one of lifes good guys who lived his life to the fun what a top guy. Rest in Peace Craig sending love and prayers to his family at this tragic time xxxLancsLass

Knew Craig many years ago not seen him for a good few years however his massive smile he always had on his face will never leave my memory. Craig was one of lifes good guys who lived his life to the fun what a top guy. Rest in Peace Craig sending love and prayers to his family at this tragic time xxx

Score: 29

ChrisDeBerg
3:27pm Mon 24 Mar 14

Never been on a motorbike since a car pulled out in front of my Suzuki and nearly killed me... I suppose in a way, we're all human and will make mistakes pulling out in front of others in error, as a car driver of 10 years this has not happened to me since this incident, but I've always said since that I would prefer the bonnet to take the damage than me... Motorbikes are fun and bring high adrenalin, but in my opinion are death traps, even when you ride them correctly... Sad to have lost another motorist on the road, RIP.

Never been on a motorbike since a car pulled out in front of my Suzuki and nearly killed me... I suppose in a way, we're all human and will make mistakes pulling out in front of others in error, as a car driver of 10 years this has not happened to me since this incident, but I've always said since that I would prefer the bonnet to take the damage than me... Motorbikes are fun and bring high adrenalin, but in my opinion are death traps, even when you ride them correctly... Sad to have lost another motorist on the road, RIP.ChrisDeBerg

Never been on a motorbike since a car pulled out in front of my Suzuki and nearly killed me... I suppose in a way, we're all human and will make mistakes pulling out in front of others in error, as a car driver of 10 years this has not happened to me since this incident, but I've always said since that I would prefer the bonnet to take the damage than me... Motorbikes are fun and bring high adrenalin, but in my opinion are death traps, even when you ride them correctly... Sad to have lost another motorist on the road, RIP.

Score: 9

useyourhead
4:51pm Mon 24 Mar 14

So sad to see the loss of a fellow rider. R.I.P fella, ride free.

So sad to see the loss of a fellow rider. R.I.P fella, ride free.useyourhead

So sad to see the loss of a fellow rider. R.I.P fella, ride free.

Score: 16

kenbro
6:23pm Mon 24 Mar 14

Tragic. Riding along safely and someone just turns in front of you. There is nowhere to go in that situation.
I put many miles on two wheels back in the 1950s. Had a couple of wrecks due to my youthful exuberance but there were far fewer cars on the road back then. Today, the roads are jammed with vehicles and many of the drivers are not paying attention. Texting, mobile phones and GPS take a drivers eyes, and mind, off the road. Drugs and booze are often culprits too.
A stupid move by a car driver can cause a few dents in his car. It can be fatal for the innocent motor cyclist.
Condolences to the family and friends.

Tragic. Riding along safely and someone just turns in front of you. There is nowhere to go in that situation.
I put many miles on two wheels back in the 1950s. Had a couple of wrecks due to my youthful exuberance but there were far fewer cars on the road back then. Today, the roads are jammed with vehicles and many of the drivers are not paying attention. Texting, mobile phones and GPS take a drivers eyes, and mind, off the road. Drugs and booze are often culprits too.
A stupid move by a car driver can cause a few dents in his car. It can be fatal for the innocent motor cyclist.
Condolences to the family and friends.kenbro

Tragic. Riding along safely and someone just turns in front of you. There is nowhere to go in that situation.
I put many miles on two wheels back in the 1950s. Had a couple of wrecks due to my youthful exuberance but there were far fewer cars on the road back then. Today, the roads are jammed with vehicles and many of the drivers are not paying attention. Texting, mobile phones and GPS take a drivers eyes, and mind, off the road. Drugs and booze are often culprits too.
A stupid move by a car driver can cause a few dents in his car. It can be fatal for the innocent motor cyclist.
Condolences to the family and friends.

Score: 17

mys
7:33pm Mon 24 Mar 14

Aww god bless him,so sad to here yet another innocent life lost through the stupidity of another,I lost my brother in the same way,caused through a bus driver on the wrong side of the road,big hugs to you and your loved ones Craig xx

Aww god bless him,so sad to here yet another innocent life lost through the stupidity of another,I lost my brother in the same way,caused through a bus driver on the wrong side of the road,big hugs to you and your loved ones Craig xxmys

Aww god bless him,so sad to here yet another innocent life lost through the stupidity of another,I lost my brother in the same way,caused through a bus driver on the wrong side of the road,big hugs to you and your loved ones Craig xx

Score: 7

Steven Seagull
8:05pm Mon 24 Mar 14

kenbro wrote…

Tragic. Riding along safely and someone just turns in front of you. There is nowhere to go in that situation.
I put many miles on two wheels back in the 1950s. Had a couple of wrecks due to my youthful exuberance but there were far fewer cars on the road back then. Today, the roads are jammed with vehicles and many of the drivers are not paying attention. Texting, mobile phones and GPS take a drivers eyes, and mind, off the road. Drugs and booze are often culprits too.
A stupid move by a car driver can cause a few dents in his car. It can be fatal for the innocent motor cyclist.
Condolences to the family and friends.

I agree. But conversely stupid moves by motorcyclists can also result in fatalities.

I'm not suggesting this was the case here but let's not lay all the blame at car drivers.

[quote][p][bold]kenbro[/bold] wrote:
Tragic. Riding along safely and someone just turns in front of you. There is nowhere to go in that situation.
I put many miles on two wheels back in the 1950s. Had a couple of wrecks due to my youthful exuberance but there were far fewer cars on the road back then. Today, the roads are jammed with vehicles and many of the drivers are not paying attention. Texting, mobile phones and GPS take a drivers eyes, and mind, off the road. Drugs and booze are often culprits too.
A stupid move by a car driver can cause a few dents in his car. It can be fatal for the innocent motor cyclist.
Condolences to the family and friends.[/p][/quote]I agree. But conversely stupid moves by motorcyclists can also result in fatalities.
I'm not suggesting this was the case here but let's not lay all the blame at car drivers.Steven Seagull

kenbro wrote…

Tragic. Riding along safely and someone just turns in front of you. There is nowhere to go in that situation.
I put many miles on two wheels back in the 1950s. Had a couple of wrecks due to my youthful exuberance but there were far fewer cars on the road back then. Today, the roads are jammed with vehicles and many of the drivers are not paying attention. Texting, mobile phones and GPS take a drivers eyes, and mind, off the road. Drugs and booze are often culprits too.
A stupid move by a car driver can cause a few dents in his car. It can be fatal for the innocent motor cyclist.
Condolences to the family and friends.

I agree. But conversely stupid moves by motorcyclists can also result in fatalities.

I'm not suggesting this was the case here but let's not lay all the blame at car drivers.

Score: 10

[deleted]
8:24pm Mon 24 Mar 14

[deleted]

Having ridden a bicycle, motorbike and a car, while living in the countryside, I never managed to hit or been hit by agricultural plant. However, that said, I've never understood why we have never sought to make the roads a little safer by insisting that when machinery is working in an area, that warning signs are put in place, much as we do for any road works.
With the best wit in the World, you don't think that there would be any plant moving around the roads, on a Sunday afternoon, would you? And, knowing that there will be the usual plethora of Sunday drivers on the roads, you might want to consider, carefully, before moving machinery, at that time.
On Infirmary Road, outside the entrance to the Royal building site, a trail of mud had been left on the road, where vehicles had tracked it. After a light shower, a bike lost control on it, went down and slid slowly towards an oncoming taxi. Fortunately, neither was doing any great speed and so neither suffered any great injury.
People from the building site witnessed it, management appeared from their offices and yet, even today, no warning signs are in place. Therefore, I name and shame, David Wilson Homes, as being uncaring in their attitude towards others and being negligent towards Health and Safety laws. It is only because of the skill of that rider that he wasn't injured.
Granted, there was a road sweeper on the road, within the hour but, and I state again, no warning signs in place! They have done absolutely nothing to prevent this happening again, yet have a building site that is cluttered with warning signs about safety. Shameful behaviour, I think.woolywords

Having ridden a bicycle, motorbike and a car, while living in the countryside, I never managed to hit or been hit by agricultural plant. However, that said, I've never understood why we have never sought to make the roads a little safer by insisting that when machinery is working in an area, that warning signs are put in place, much as we do for any road works.
With the best wit in the World, you don't think that there would be any plant moving around the roads, on a Sunday afternoon, would you? And, knowing that there will be the usual plethora of Sunday drivers on the roads, you might want to consider, carefully, before moving machinery, at that time.

On Infirmary Road, outside the entrance to the Royal building site, a trail of mud had been left on the road, where vehicles had tracked it. After a light shower, a bike lost control on it, went down and slid slowly towards an oncoming taxi. Fortunately, neither was doing any great speed and so neither suffered any great injury.
People from the building site witnessed it, management appeared from their offices and yet, even today, no warning signs are in place. Therefore, I name and shame, David Wilson Homes, as being uncaring in their attitude towards others and being negligent towards Health and Safety laws. It is only because of the skill of that rider that he wasn't injured.
Granted, there was a road sweeper on the road, within the hour but, and I state again, no warning signs in place! They have done absolutely nothing to prevent this happening again, yet have a building site that is cluttered with warning signs about safety. Shameful behaviour, I think.

Score: 9

noddy57
12:00am Tue 25 Mar 14

so sorry for his young family,,,R I P,

so sorry for his young family,,,R I P,noddy57

so sorry for his young family,,,R I P,

Score: 6

ford10
8:46am Tue 25 Mar 14

Ride free brother R.I.P.

Ride free brother R.I.P.ford10

Ride free brother R.I.P.

Score: 4

bburnrover
8:48am Tue 25 Mar 14

Well its so sad yet another local lad with a family has been killed by an obviously inattentive driver. I recall 46 years ago when I had a motor bike a school master from Stoneyhust College came straight out in front of me in Regent Street Blackburn it totalled my bike and put me in hospital,god only knows what the answer is other than eye site tests on a regular basis.

Well its so sad yet another local lad with a family has been killed by an obviously inattentive driver. I recall 46 years ago when I had a motor bike a school master from Stoneyhust College came straight out in front of me in Regent Street Blackburn it totalled my bike and put me in hospital,god only knows what the answer is other than eye site tests on a regular basis.bburnrover

Well its so sad yet another local lad with a family has been killed by an obviously inattentive driver. I recall 46 years ago when I had a motor bike a school master from Stoneyhust College came straight out in front of me in Regent Street Blackburn it totalled my bike and put me in hospital,god only knows what the answer is other than eye site tests on a regular basis.

Score: 0

Calian
4:44pm Tue 25 Mar 14

so, so sad, this happened directly outside my work, it was very traumatic having to walk past him.. and the crime scene, i've been thinking about it ever since and the family he was taken away from so suddenly. all my love goes to them and i hope they can be strong together.

so, so sad, this happened directly outside my work, it was very traumatic having to walk past him.. and the crime scene, i've been thinking about it ever since and the family he was taken away from so suddenly. all my love goes to them and i hope they can be strong together.Calian

so, so sad, this happened directly outside my work, it was very traumatic having to walk past him.. and the crime scene, i've been thinking about it ever since and the family he was taken away from so suddenly. all my love goes to them and i hope they can be strong together.

Score: 9

POW WOW
5:52pm Tue 25 Mar 14

This is the main reason why I don't ride motorbikes anymore, cause the volume of traffic these days is diabolical and no one cares to look out for one another!!!!!
Now then had it been a car that had pulled out then the driver of the car faces automatic charges of driving without due care and attention as the law wants it to be. The same should apply regardless of whatever vehicle was involved and the restrictions that the particular vehicle is limited to.

I lost a mate unjustifiably a few years back in a bus crash on a country lane cause some looney ruled that many lives outweighed one and that the bus was within it's rights to cross over the broken central lines of the road !!!!!!!!!!!

I often wonder how the police traffic officers get on working together and their opinions of how justice should be delivered to motoring offenders. I bet you there's been a scenario many a time where a motorcyclist traffic officer thinks that motorists in cars who pull out are to blame opposed to car traffic officers who blame speeding motor cyclists !!!!!!!!!

This is the main reason why I don't ride motorbikes anymore, cause the volume of traffic these days is diabolical and no one cares to look out for one another!!!!!
Now then had it been a car that had pulled out then the driver of the car faces automatic charges of driving without due care and attention as the law wants it to be. The same should apply regardless of whatever vehicle was involved and the restrictions that the particular vehicle is limited to.
I lost a mate unjustifiably a few years back in a bus crash on a country lane cause some looney ruled that many lives outweighed one and that the bus was within it's rights to cross over the broken central lines of the road !!!!!!!!!!!
I often wonder how the police traffic officers get on working together and their opinions of how justice should be delivered to motoring offenders. I bet you there's been a scenario many a time where a motorcyclist traffic officer thinks that motorists in cars who pull out are to blame opposed to car traffic officers who blame speeding motor cyclists !!!!!!!!!POW WOW

This is the main reason why I don't ride motorbikes anymore, cause the volume of traffic these days is diabolical and no one cares to look out for one another!!!!!
Now then had it been a car that had pulled out then the driver of the car faces automatic charges of driving without due care and attention as the law wants it to be. The same should apply regardless of whatever vehicle was involved and the restrictions that the particular vehicle is limited to.

I lost a mate unjustifiably a few years back in a bus crash on a country lane cause some looney ruled that many lives outweighed one and that the bus was within it's rights to cross over the broken central lines of the road !!!!!!!!!!!

I often wonder how the police traffic officers get on working together and their opinions of how justice should be delivered to motoring offenders. I bet you there's been a scenario many a time where a motorcyclist traffic officer thinks that motorists in cars who pull out are to blame opposed to car traffic officers who blame speeding motor cyclists !!!!!!!!!

Ipsoregulated

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